Anshul Pfeffer, Israel correspondent for The Economist, discusses the profound implications of Yahya Sinwar's death for Hamas and regional stability. Idris Kalun analyzes the political shifts in swing states like Wisconsin and Michigan, revealing why they are no longer reliable for Democrats. Anne Rowe shares the inspiring life of Sammy Basso, a young man with progeria, highlighting his resilience and dreams amidst the challenges of premature aging.
Yahya Sinwar's death may create a leadership vacuum within Hamas, complicating its cohesion and strategic direction amidst ongoing conflicts in Gaza.
The potential for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has increased, but historical skepticism around such agreements raises questions about their feasibility.
Deep dives
The Impact of Yahya Sinwar's Death
The death of Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, could represent a significant turning point in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Sinwar was central to the planning of the October 7 attacks and held a prominent role in both the military and political wings of Hamas since his release from Israeli prison in 2011. His elimination could leave a leadership vacuum that hampers Hamas's cohesion and directive, further destabilizing the organization in the short term. While Sinwar's absence presents a potential moment for a ceasefire, the future of Hamas remains uncertain as it still maintains international connections and leadership outside of Gaza.
The Quest for Ceasefire Amidst Conflict
With Sinwar's death, both Israel and Hamas face new incentives to seek a ceasefire, primarily as a means of strengthening their respective positions. Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu may find political justification for agreeing to a pause in hostilities, especially if it helps stabilize the humanitarian situation in Gaza while preventing a power struggle within Hamas. For Hamas, the urgency to negotiate arises from the need to retain control over Gaza's population amid loss of leadership and ongoing military pressure. However, skepticism remains about the feasibility of a ceasefire given historical patterns of disappointment in past attempts.
Political Ramifications and Future Leadership
The power transition within Hamas following Sinwar's death is crucial as potential successors may struggle to fill the leadership gap, particularly on the ground in Gaza. The remaining leaders, like Khaled Mashal, might push for more pragmatic approaches, especially in negotiations regarding hostages, but are also hindered by the lack of a consolidated strategy. Meanwhile, Netanyahu's government faces challenges from the far-right factions that might oppose any form of peaceful resolution, complicating the political landscape further. This evolving scenario sets the stage for future conflicts in the region, with peace between Israel and Hamas contingent upon internal dynamics and external pressures.
Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind of the October 7th attacks, is dead. What does that mean for Hamas, for a ceasefire in Gaza and for regional stability more widely? Our swing-states series continues with Wisconsin and Michigan: why do they no longer reliably vote Democrat (9:43)? And our obituaries editor on Sammy Basso, a young mind in a body ageing ruthlessly rapidly (18:14).